Group II Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Davis Cup C’ship still open:

Godamanne beat Ouresh

by Richard Dwight

Tennis is a fascinating game, if it’s not one sided, especially when standards are maintained and a stiff battle ensues – where no quarter is asked or given. It is that which makes them strive to become eligible to be accepted in the Wimbledon Fold.

We are in no way disappointed that we play in the Davis Cup, for we who have been in Group IV, III have progressed well to have ascended to Group II. Year before last we lost to New Zealand, then came back last year to beat Hong Kong. All our victories are due to an all round effort of the team.

But however it could be said without reservation, that Harshana Godamanne is Tennis’ gift to us. A player of wide experience, who has travelled much, especially in the States. He is extraordinarily brilliant having the ability to lift the other players with his amazing shots.

In this Davis Cup tie against Pakistan which began at the SLTA, on Friday, Sri Lanka was bogged down by injury, with Dineshkanthan Thangarajah (SL) playing Aqeel Khan won at 6/4 in the second set Dineshkanthan was completely overhauled to lose 1/6 and in the third set retired 2/4 conceding the match. In the second single’s between Harshana Godamanne and Pakistan’s broad built and No.6 in the World’s doubles champions, Asiam Ouresh (Pak) – Harshana Godamanne won, 7/6, 7/5, 7/6.

In the doubles between Sri Lanka/Pakistan, Pakistan won. Pakistan 6/2, 6/7, 2/6, 6/2. The two reverse singles will be played this morning.